First Impressions of CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln
The CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln promises a simple solution for those of us needing extended visibility while towing with our older trucks and SUVs. The CIPA brand isn’t necessarily synonymous with high-end tactical gear, but they’ve been around long enough to garner a reputation for functional, affordable solutions. These mirrors claim to offer a custom fit without tools, a big selling point for anyone who’s wrestled with universal towing mirrors in the past.
My need for these mirrors arose from a recurring issue: blind spots. I frequently tow a small camper with my 2000 Ford F-150, and the factory mirrors simply don’t provide enough coverage to safely navigate highway traffic. I’ve tried generic clamp-on mirrors before, but they always vibrated excessively and never felt secure.
Upon unboxing the CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln, I was pleasantly surprised by the apparent sturdiness of the ABS plastic. The sleeve-fitted design looked promising, and the additional adjustable mirror seemed reasonably sized. Compared to the flimsy, universal mirrors I’ve used, these felt significantly more substantial.
I considered options from McKesh and Longview, both reputable brands, but the higher price points deterred me. I chose the CIPA mirrors for their affordability and the promise of a custom fit, hoping to avoid the vibration issues that plagued my previous experiences. My first impression was cautiously optimistic – if these mirrors deliver on their promises, they could be a game-changer for my towing experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln was a weekend camping trip. I installed them on my 2000 Ford F-150 before hitting the highway with my small camper in tow. The installation, as advertised, was incredibly easy, requiring no tools whatsoever.
The mirrors performed admirably in dry conditions, providing a significantly wider field of view compared to the stock mirrors. However, during a brief rain shower, I noticed some water beading on the mirror surface, slightly obscuring the view. Adjusting the outboard mirror was simple enough while parked, but I wouldn’t recommend attempting it while driving.
I was initially concerned about vibration, a common issue with aftermarket towing mirrors, but the CIPA mirrors proved to be surprisingly stable at highway speeds. There was some minor shaking, but it was significantly less than what I’ve experienced with universal clamp-on models.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln has held up reasonably well. I’ve used them on multiple camping trips, including a particularly dusty excursion into the high desert. While the plastic finish has shown some minor scratches from road debris, the mirrors themselves remain structurally sound.
Cleaning the mirrors is relatively simple; a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth usually does the trick. However, the polypropylene wedges, which secure the mirrors to the factory housings, seem to be a potential point of failure over time. I haven’t experienced any issues yet, but I suspect they may eventually crack or lose their shape with repeated use.
Compared to my previous experiences with universal towing mirrors, the CIPA mirrors offer a vastly superior experience in terms of stability and ease of use. They may not be as robust as some of the higher-end, permanent towing mirror replacements, but for the price, they provide a solid improvement in towing visibility.
Breaking Down the Features of CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln
Specifications
The CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln is designed specifically for the following vehicles: 1997-2004 Ford F150 and F250 Light Duty trucks, 1997-2002 Ford Expedition, and 1997-2002 Lincoln Navigator. The mirror housings are constructed from durable ABS plastic, known for its rigidity and impact resistance. This is crucial for withstanding the rigors of highway driving and potential impacts from road debris.
The mirror face is made from OE-grade glass, which helps minimize distortion and ghosting. This ensures a clear and accurate reflection, which is paramount for safe towing. The installation wedges are formed from polypropylene plastic, chosen for its long-term shape conformity and resistance to cracking. These wedges are essential for maintaining a secure and vibration-free fit.
The mirrors feature a sleeve-fitted design, intended to slide snugly over the existing factory rearview side mirrors. This eliminates the need for tools or permanent modifications to the vehicle. The outboard mirror is adjustable, allowing the driver to fine-tune their field of view. This adjustability is essential for accommodating different trailer widths and driver preferences.
Performance & Functionality
The CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln performs its primary function – extending towing visibility – admirably. The outboard mirrors provide a significantly wider field of view, reducing blind spots and making lane changes safer and easier. This improved visibility is particularly beneficial when towing wider trailers or navigating in heavy traffic.
The mirrors are relatively stable at highway speeds, minimizing vibration and maintaining a clear reflection. However, some minor shaking can occur on rough roads or in strong winds. While not a deal-breaker, this vibration can be distracting at times. The installation process is straightforward and requires no tools, making it easy to install and remove the mirrors as needed.
One minor drawback is the limited adjustability of the outboard mirror while driving. It’s best to adjust the mirror before setting off, as attempting to do so on the move can be difficult and potentially unsafe. This limitation is a trade-off for the easy installation and removal of the mirrors.
Design & Ergonomics
The CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln boasts a sleek, custom design that complements the factory mirrors of compatible Ford and Lincoln vehicles. The ABS plastic construction feels durable and lightweight, adding minimal weight to the existing mirrors. The lightweight design helps to minimize vibration and prevent strain on the factory mirror housings.
The mirrors are relatively easy to install and remove, thanks to the sleeve-fitted design and polypropylene wedges. There is no need for tools or specialized knowledge, making them accessible to even novice users. This ease of installation and removal is a significant advantage over permanent towing mirror replacements.
The outboard mirrors are adequately sized, providing a sufficient field of view without being overly bulky or obstructing the driver’s vision. The balanced design ensures that the mirrors enhance visibility without compromising safety.
Durability & Maintenance
The CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln is constructed from durable materials, but it is not indestructible. The ABS plastic is susceptible to scratches and scuffs from road debris, and the polypropylene wedges may eventually crack or lose their shape with repeated use. Proper care and maintenance can help to extend the lifespan of the mirrors.
Cleaning the mirrors is relatively simple; a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner is usually sufficient. However, it’s important to avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the plastic and glass. Regular cleaning will help to maintain a clear reflection and prevent the build-up of dirt and grime.
Replacement parts, such as the polypropylene wedges, may be available from CIPA or aftermarket suppliers. However, it’s important to verify compatibility before purchasing any replacement parts. Availability of replacement parts is essential for ensuring the long-term usability of the mirrors.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln comes with the necessary installation hardware, including the polypropylene wedges. There are no additional accessories or customization options available directly from CIPA. The minimalist design focuses on functionality and affordability rather than customization.
However, some users may choose to add aftermarket accessories, such as rain guards or anti-glare films, to further enhance the performance of the mirrors. It’s important to ensure that any aftermarket accessories are compatible with the size and shape of the CIPA mirrors. Careful selection of aftermarket accessories can personalize and improve the overall towing experience.
Pros and Cons of CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
- Custom fit design provides a secure and stable attachment to factory mirrors.
- Easy, tool-free installation and removal for convenient use.
- Significant improvement in towing visibility, reducing blind spots.
- Durable ABS plastic construction for long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Limited adjustability of the outboard mirror while driving.
- Polypropylene wedges may be a point of failure over time.
Who Should Buy CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln?
The CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln is perfect for owners of 1997-2004 Ford F150/F250 Light Duty trucks, 1997-2002 Ford Expeditions, and 1997-2002 Lincoln Navigators who occasionally tow trailers and need improved visibility. This is ideal for weekend campers, recreational boaters, and anyone who wants a simple and affordable solution to reduce blind spots while towing.
Those who require permanent towing mirrors for frequent, heavy-duty towing should skip this product. They may be better served by investing in more robust, permanent towing mirror replacements.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality glass cleaner to keep the mirrors free of dirt and grime, ensuring optimal visibility.
Conclusion on CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln
The CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln provides a solid, affordable solution for improving towing visibility on compatible Ford and Lincoln vehicles. While not without its minor drawbacks, the easy installation, custom fit, and noticeable reduction in blind spots make it a worthwhile investment for occasional towers.
The value proposition is excellent; the price is justified given the significant improvement in safety and convenience. I would personally recommend these mirrors to anyone looking for a budget-friendly way to enhance their towing experience.
If you’re tired of struggling with inadequate visibility while towing with your older Ford or Lincoln, give the CIPA USA 11600 Custom Towing Mirror For Ford/Lincoln a try – you might be surprised at how much safer and more enjoyable your towing experience can be.